The Ruen Brothers Keep It Dark on ‘Awooo’
While nothing on the Ruen Brothers’ Awooo sounds explicitly like bluegrass, it’s infused with a dark mood that could clearly have been influenced by Appalachia.
Rich Wilhelm
Rich Wilhelm is a writer and editor who lives in Royersford, Pennsylvania. In addition to his high school and college newspapers, Rich's writing has appeared in Cool and Strange Music Magazine, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Arizona Republic. In addition to music writing, Rich is a certified volunteer tour guide at Philadelphia's historic Laurel Hill Cemetery. Rich can be found on Bluesky @rfwilhelm@bksy.social, on Instagram @valentine_headphone_kid, and at his online journal, The Dichotomy of the Dog.
“Captain” Curtis Harding’s Excellent Journey
Curtis Harding’s new album may take a few listens to absorb fully. Once it does, it will yield rewards for fans of retro soul, current soul, and adventurous pop.
The Royston Club Present Big Guitars and Big Emotions
Everything about the Royston Club’s new LP is big, and some of it is even huge. Big crunchy guitars, catchy choruses, emotional lyrics, and powerful singing
Ozzy Osbourne Was Heavy Metal’s Legendary Shaman
On the passing of Ozzy Osbourne, we trace the feedback loop of a life lived loud and a legacy equal parts chaos, catharsis, and strange, enduring grace.
Elton John’s Brilliant ‘Captain Fantastic’ Is 50
Rife with concept albums in the 1970s, Captain Fantastic is one of the most coherent, and it shows Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s creative relationship.
20 of the Best New Wave Albums by Rock/Pop Artists
As the 1980s dawned and punk began to morph into new wave, many established artists altered their style to reach new audiences. We look at 20 of them.
The Mayflies USA Return With Hopeful and Heartfelt LP
The Mayflies USA’s first album in 20-plus years has been worth the wait. It continues their power pop ways, while also moving them in promising new directions.
Sports Team Contemplate Maturity and Obsolescence
Sports Team are smart band incorporating bits and pieces of past music they love into their own modern sound and dryly funny lyrical point of view.
Irma Thomas and Galactic Create Magic Funky Soul
Irma Thomas has teamed up with the beloved funk band Galactic to deliver a joyful and life-affirming new album that fuses classic soul and 21st-century funk.
Ora the Molecule Goes for a Big Adventure on ‘Dance Therapy’
Norway’s Ora the Molecule uses disco to explore grief in Dance Therapy. It’s the most accessible avant-garde disco pop concept album you’ll hear this year.
Patterson Hood Brings ‘Exploding Trees and Airplane Screams’ to Life
Patterson Hood masterfully weaves older solo songs, Drive-By Trucker tunes, and two telling covers into a complete performance of his latest solo album.
The Lathums Create Delightful British Rock on New LP
The Lathums have fulfilled the promise of “Crying Out” with a series of singles and two hit albums. Now, they have released a hard-hitting third album.